PSAT Reading Question 313: Answer and Explanation

Question: 313

As used in line 37, "precepts" most nearly means

• A. warrants.
• B. buildings.
• C. politics.
• D. principles.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Solution: (D) Lines 37–38 state, "Community projects that embrace the revolutionary precepts of arcology have always struggled for funding, and all too often are abandoned by their investors prior to completion." "Principles" makes the most sense as the meaning of "precepts" here because arcology is described in the passage as a general philosophy of design that has certain key ideas, or principles, about methods of sustainable development. The correct is not choice (A) because arcology was not inspired by government documents. It is not choice (B) because arcology is an entire philosophy of design, not just a type of structure. The answer is not choice (C) because arcology is more of a design philosophy than a political one.